Preamp for N801's

[DM3000 Owner]

What kind of preamps have you used with the 800 series B&W's?

I haved N801's and Bryston 7B St's. I am using a tueb preamp and can now hear some hiss from the tube preamp with the Brystons.

I want to go SS. Considering Bryston BP25 but have heard mixed reviews.

Thanks,

Chris

[alpina]

hi chris,

what was the mixed review on the bp25? i was very impressed with it and although i love the seperate power supply on the bp26, i found the sound of the 2 very similar.

being more of a ht listener, i think i will eventually get the sp2

good luck

julie

[Karma]

HI DM,
What kind of tube preamp do you have? You know they are not all created equal. My Audio Research SP11 MKII (yes, tubes) is dead quiet even when playing vinyl using a low output moving coil cartridge. The best of the tube pre's I have heard are simply the best, period. The SP11 MkII is among the greatest pre's ever designed. They can be had for around $3000 used. Can you get the best SS preamp for $3000? I don't think so. Check Krell and Levinson prices and you will see what I mean.

I'll not try to move you away from SS. I just want to make the point that it is very hard and usually incorrect to stereotype any given technology. To get the best you must pay the most. Oh well......

Sparky

[DM3000 Owner]

HI DM,
What kind of tube preamp do you have? You know they are not all created equal. My Audio Research SP11 MKII (yes, tubes) is dead quiet even when playing vinyl using a low output moving coil cartridge. The best of the tube pre's I have heard are simply the best, period. The SP11 MkII is among the greatest pre's ever designed. They can be had for around $3000 used. Can you get the best SS preamp for $3000? I don't think so. Check Krell and Levinson prices and you will see what I mean.

I'll not try to move you away from SS. I just want to make the point that it is very hard and usually incorrect to stereotype any given technology. To get the best you must pay the most. Oh well......

Sparky

Thanks for the info. I have a Juicymusic Peach. It is a very nice unit. I am just sick of tube warm up time, lack of a remote and finding rare tubes (I am using a 1959 Amperex Pinch Waist 6922 and a pair of 1963 PQ's). It just seems that an SS would make life much easier.

Chris